It features no progressive ideological elements such as DEI casting mandates, identity politics, systemic oppression narratives, LGBTQ+ representation as a focal point, critiques of traditional norms, or any social justice messaging. The all-Japanese cast aligns perfectly with the story's Japanese high school and law enforcement setting, with no race/gender-swapping or forced diversity.

Themes revolve around universal questions of justice, god complexes, and human hubris, executed through tense plotting and character psychology without layering in contemporary activism. Creator Tsugumi Ohba remains pseudonymous with no public statements promoting progressive causes; interviews focus solely on storytelling craft.

Audience reception celebrates it as a timeless masterpiece with no backlash over 'wokeness'—all such controversies pertain to the unrelated Netflix live-action remake. This unadulterated focus on entertainment and suspense exemplifies traditional anime excellence free from ideological intrusions.